Before the Tour

Ep. 24 with Songwriter, Paige Rutledge

On Episode 24, I talk to singer-songwriter, Paige Rutledge! We met at the University of Guelph during our time at the open mics in the historic Bullring [https://thebullring.scvr.co] venue. I was hosting the open mics when I met Paige and instantly loved her style of honest songwriting, and I have always wanted to co-write or chat about music, so I’m excited to hear her perspective on everything. Paige is actively involved in co-writing, and often heads to Nashville to collaborate and grow her network of songwriters for building her discography and songwriting experience. Check out her latest single, Gone Ain’t Really Gone [https://open.spotify.com/track/2FhgGrEpO1ghMPIBdfyBcg?si=7b4f1bfcbc4141d5], on Spotify, or wherever you stream! All of the show notes at Huntersheridanmusic.com/podcast [https://huntersheridanmusic.com/podcast] Reach out to Paige Rutledge through her ... https://www.instagram.com/brotherandsonmusic/?hl=enWebsite [https://www.paigerutledge.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/paigerutledge/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/paigerutledge]

Ep. 23 with Producer & Songwriter, Ty Callan of Sit Still

On Episode 23, the first guest of this podcast comes back! Ty Callan just released his debut single under his new alternative-indie inspired project, Sit Still. Ty has spent the last few years putting together a catalogue of material that he has arranged, written, produced, mixed, and released completely independently. Check out the first release, “For You”, wherever you stream! Ty does work out of his home studio for artists looking to expand on their demos by adding instrumentation, adjusting mixes for FACTOR grants, helping with arrangements and production. In this episode we discuss …  * Ty’s process of taking on all aspects of writing, mixing, producing, and releasing his materials. * The importance of picking your genre for optimizing release opportunities. * How he collaborates with other songwriters and writers to build instrumentation and arrangements.  * His work with other artists like Divves [https://www.instagram.com/divves.music/], and Rachel Jeans [https://www.instagram.com/racheljeansmusic/]. * The process of writing and releasing his debut single, ‘For You’. * Using tools like Splice [https://splice.com/home] to help build the vision of your song faster. * Playlist pitching and marketing as an independent artist.  * Releasing music through independent distributors like Distrokid [https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Distrokid&rls=en], CD Baby [https://podcast.cdbaby.com/], and Tunecore [https://web.tunecore.com/login]. * Helpful music podcasts like the DIY Musician Podcast [https://podcast.cdbaby.com/]. Reach out to Ty Callan on Instagram @Pad_Ty [https://www.instagram.com/pad_ty/?hl=en]

Ep. 22 with Composer & Songwriter, Mimi O'Bonsawin

On Episode 22, I sit down with Canadian contemporary roots singer-songwriter Mimi O’Bonsawin. Her latest album, Willow (March 3, 2023) is available everywhere now!  On this episode we discuss:  * Her songwriting, recording, and touring process with partner, Ryan Schurman [https://www.instagram.com/littledrumaboi/?hl=en]. * Where she draws inspiration from for her lyrics. * Her love for gardening and the importance of cultivating home-grown foods.  * The songwriting workshops [https://www.mimi.ca/workshop] she hosts for students around the country.  * Her upcoming shows for the Willow Tour. Find all show notes at Huntersheridanmusic.com/podcast [https://huntersheridanmusic.com/podcast]

Ep. 21 with I, The Mountain

On Episode 21 I chat with Matt Lamers, Allison Dyjach, and Rory McLachlin, who are 3 of the 4 members (not including Matt Rappolt) making up Ontario based folk-pop band, I the Mountain [https://www.ithemountain.com]. The band is known for their joyous harmonies, interactive live performances, and passion for building community through music, and they’ve built a fanbase of loyal “Mountaineers” across Canada. You can find them performing at this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival, and keep an eye on their socials for more show announcements this summer.  Check out their new single, Fade away on all streaming platforms!  On this episode we discuss… * The inspiration behind their new single, Fade Away. * The writing and recording process of their new single. * How they write together as a 4-piece band.  * Their upcoming performance at the Mariposa Folk Festival [https://mariposafolk.com/]. * Working with engineer/producer, John Dinsmore [https://www.instagram.com/hellolincolncounty/?hl=en] of the Lincoln County Social Club [http://www.lincolncountysocialclub.com] on their latest releases. * Working at Port William Sound [https://www.portwilliamsound.com], which is a studio near Kingston, ON that offers an opportunity for creatives to work with zero distraction, a warm inviting space, and an inspiring landscape.  * Tools you can use to pinpoint your release’s genre and target playlists more efficiently.  * How you can manage the costs and budgets for your releases as an independent artist through grants like FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council, Waterloo Arts Council, etc. * Opportunities like FACTOR’s Artist Development Grant to help fund your releases, music videos, artwork, and more * Ask your band and musician friends for advice!  * Promoting music using social media strategies and/or marketing/PR agencies like Auteur Research [http://auteurresearch.com]and From the Strait [https://fromthestrait.com]. * Using platforms like Daily Playlists, Musosoup, SubmitHub, and SoundPlate to pitch your music to playlists, blogs, magazines, and more.  * Click HERE [https://huntersheridanmusic.com/new-blog/freeplaylistsubmissions] to check out my full listing of playlist submission platforms that I use on a regular basis with every release.  Reach out to I, the Mountain at ... https://www.instagram.com/brotherandsonmusic/?hl=en@ithemountain [https://www.instagram.com/ithemountain/] www.Ithemountain.com [https://www.ithemountain.com] Support the show by following & reviewing on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2f9Q4xgFT1TivoY2flydF2?si=408055f1855b477d]and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-tour/id1633762119] Episode 22: March 27th, 2023

Ep. 20 with Festival Organizer & Singer-Songwriter, Tania Joy (Springtide Music Festival)

On episode 20 I speak with singer-songwriter, Tania Joy [https://taniajoy.com]. Tania is a multi-talented artist who played with Serena Ryder and was in The Weeknd’s original backing band and her latest album, I Will Stand, was produced by 2022 Juno Award winner Hill Kourkoutis [http://www.hillkourkoutis.com]. Tania has also played a huge role in co-founding and organizing the Springtide Music Festival [https://springtidemusicfestival.com], a 3-day festival showcasing live music across a diverse set of small venues in downtown Uxbridge, Ontario. I was lucky enough to join the festival last year, and had an absolutely amazing time performing, meeting other artists, and catching sets from Skye Wallace, Alysha Brilla, Boy Golden, Elliot Brood, Bedoin Soundclash, Mattie Leon, and so many more!  This year’s festival runs from June 9-11, 2023 and early bird tickets [https://springtide.tickit.ca] are on sale now! On this episode we discuss ...  * Tania’s involvement with organizing and founding Springtide Music Festival [https://springtidemusicfestival.com]. * How Wintersong Music Festival [https://wintersong.ca] in Stoufville helped inspire the beginnings of Springtide.  * Her experience working with Hill Kourkoutis [http://www.hillkourkoutis.com]. * Second Wedge Brewing Co. [https://thesecondwedge.ca] * The Oshawa Music Awards. [https://www.theomas.ca] * Ontario based media companies that help with Springtide promotional materials - Luke Camozzi of ZedZed Media [https://www.zedzed.ca/], and Oh Canada Creative [https://www.ohcanadacreative.ca/].  * How artists can use festivals and conferences to connect with other artists, managers, festival organizers, etc.  * How to manage and be flexible with your experience at a music conference to get the most out of your time there.  * The importance of face to face introductions and how this can help in longterm relationships with managers, and radio station DJs, etc.  * How to prep your materials professionally for handing out showcase information or press kits at conferences and festivals.  * Conferences like Canadian Music Week [https://cmw.net] (Toronto), Folk Music Ontario [https://folkmusicontario.org](London), Folk Alliance [https://folk.org] (Kansas City), NXNE [https://www.nxne.com] (Toronto). * Tania’s process in writing and recording her music, and the inspiration behind the new album she is currently working on.  Reach out to Tania Joy at ... https://www.instagram.com/brotherandsonmusic/?hl=en@misstaniajoy [https://www.instagram.com/misstaniajoy/] www.Taniajoy.com [https://taniajoy.com] Episode 21 releases March 13th, 2023 Support the show by following & reviewing on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2f9Q4xgFT1TivoY2flydF2?si=408055f1855b477d]or Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-tour/id1633762119]